Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Mesmin walks

The Loiret river conceals a few secrets hidden in the greenery. To see for yourself, simply follow the trail that runs along its left bank at Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Mesmin, upstream from where it meets the Loire.

Located in the Saint-Mesmin nature reserve, at the confluence of the Loire and Loiret rivers, the Pointe de Courpain is known for its cool climate and exceptionally diverse wildlife. You will never tire of admiring the mills on the Loiret river as they change with the seasons.

Well known to the people of Loiret, the charming, shaded walkway of the mills of the Loiret never fails to surprise those who discover it, a place shaped by milling activities that continued for centuries. It is an opportunity to enjoy the calm, cool waters of the river, explore the network of Olivet's narrow streets and appreciate the Donjon and Poutyl parks.

Nature and culture go hand in hand on the banks of the Loire, between Fourneaux-Plage and Saint-Ay. The landscapes of the Loire, both at water level and higher up, are so beautiful, sometimes breathtaking, that it is easy to understand why the bishops of Orléans and famous men of letters came here on holiday.

A lovely shaded walk where you can discover the mills lining the Loiret river and Lake Saint Pryvé. Several restaurants welcome you on the riverbank.

A walk in the heart of the forest where nature awaits.

It is mainly a forest route that recalls the major development work carried out in Sologne, which began in the second half of the 19th century when marl was extracted and then transported by horse-drawn carts to improve the acidic soil.

A circular leading from the Basilica of Cléry-Saint-André, known for its architecture and history, to the enigmatic Butte des Élus, a burial mound dating back to the Iron Age. It is ideal for a family walk in the Val d'Ardoux.

From Cléry-Saint-André, this circular route leads to the wild banks of the Loire, just like the walk “From Cléry-Saint-André to the wild banks of the Loire (1)”, but the return route follows theGR®655East further west. It offers beautiful views of the Loire and allows you to appreciate the rich flora and fauna of its banks and islands.

A route mainly through woodland, criss-crossing cultivated areas in this northern part of Sologne, which boasts some fertile land. The first part of the route skirts the vast Villiers estate from the Parc des Dolines de Limère, a stone’s throw from the town of Orléans-la-Source. An opportunity to get some fresh air in the shade of chestnut, oak and Scots pine trees.

The Limère sinkhole park is home to a regional curiosity: sinkholes, underground cavities recognisable by a slight depression colonised by unique vegetation. This short getaway, just a stone's throw from the town of Orléans-la-Source, is not only for geology enthusiasts but for all lovers of natural parks that inspire calm and rest.

Route in the forest around Ardon with two sections on district roads. Route poorly marked in yellow.

This walk begins at Morchêne Park in Saint-Cyr-en-Val, with its château, tennis courts, pétanque and beach volleyball courts, and fitness trail, then follows the stream of the same name. A tree-lined route, very pleasant for a family walk south of the Orléans conurbation.

An easy walk through fields and woods. This is an opportunity to discover some beautiful ancient oak trees as well as a sinkhole – a collapse caused by the dissolution of limestone by groundwater – which is a curiosity of northern Sologne.

A walk under the canopy of majestic trees, following the greenway through the grounds of the remarkable Château de Charbonnière and the national forest.